Downtown Market creates expansion opportunities for vendors

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Relocating to the Downtown Market was “the perfect next step for us,” said Karen Bryan, owner of Making Thyme Kitchen, which prepares ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals for pickup or home delivery.

The Bryans will become one of 19 vendors operating from the indoor Market Hall at the new $30 million Downtown Market, 345 Ionia Ave. SW, when it opens Monday, Aug. 26.

They are among a cadre of local entrepreneurs who are using the Downtown Market as an opportunity to take their business to the next level.

“In terms of what we do, it’s not a big leap,” said Bryan, who said she expects their sales to triple. “In terms of quantity and complexity, it’s huge. We know how to do what we do, now we’re going more of it.”

Meet the Market Hall Vendors

These are the vendors who will be inside the Downtown Market’s indoor hall.

Besides getting more exposure to customers, Bryan said she’s also looking forward to developing relationships with the market vendors as they prepare their meals for pickup or delivery to their customers.

“I think it’s going to be a really nice synchronicity in terms of what we offer the public.”

Dorothy and Tony’s Gourmet Kettle Corn is moving into the market from its storefront on Plainfield Avenue NE. Their plans are to expand the menu beyond popular kettle corn to new flavors including caramel corn, cheese corn and Chicago style popcorn.

Kate Leeder, the co-owner and manager of Aperitivo, said she is looking forward to building on the following she’s gained while working at Art of the Table, the housewares store and wine shop her partner, Amy Ruis, opened on Wealthy Street SE 10 years ago.

With several outdoor tables and a bar that seats 12, Leeder said she will give her customers the opportunity to pair her offerings of beer and wine with the shop’s selection of cheese, smoked meat and sausage.

Leeder, who has hired 10 employees, said she likes the vibe of the new market, where cooperation rather than competition is the keyword.

“It’s a huge leap of faith to start a new business and you have to hope for everyone else’s success,” she said.